The move came following months of discussion by township officials on how to continue providing service while trimming budget costs, as well as recall efforts and comments from County Commissioner Archie Bailey, D-Flushing, who called the move an effort to bust up the union.

Deputies that will cover the township are "very competent, very capable," Pickell said, and they must began taking steps today to learn about the area.

"They know they should be driving through the subdivisions, learning the community, topping by and talking to the commercial owners and shop owners," he said. "These are the front line guys. They've got to know the community and the people they are protecting."

Several other Genesee County municipalities are currently under the sheriff's department, Pickell said, with eight deputies in Vienna Township, four in Atlas Township and five in Fenton Township.

If any instances arise where a deputy is not working out in the new territory, Pickell said "I'll pull them out and replace them. That's one of the advantages of being with a larger police force."

Laid-off officers in Flushing Township will have a five-day period to apply with the county sheriff's department, Pickell said.

"They'll have to take the same written test, physical test, oral board and background investigation (as our other deputies), he said, but timing of the five-day window has not yet been determined.

Pickell also offered his thanks to township for contracting with the department for the immediate future.

"I appreciate the confidence that the Flushing Township board place in me and my office, and we don't take that for granted," he said.